Tool Time: Top Bad Ball Hitters

Denis Savage

02/23/2007

Making the most of a bad situation can help turn a slump into a streak. Behind in the count, swinging at bad pitches, and doing it continuously aren't necessarily winning traits but these San Diego Padres' prospects find a way to push through as the best "bad ball" hitters in the land.

There may be no player with more plate coverage than Venable. The outfielder doesn't much care if the ball is in or out, up or down – the job gets done.

Venable is a meat and potatoes kind of guy – he wants to drive the ball at every turn and is more willing to take a chance with men on base. He is even cognizant of his bad ball hitting skills but more often than not he connects.

Also in consideration (alphabetical):

Josh Howard
Ironically, one of the more patient hitters but he also finds a way to put bat to ball even when it is a pitchers' pitch.

Tom King
An aggressive hitter who is so anxious to hit he will take his hacks at anything thrown his way.